Ford Shutters Genk Plant In Belgium As Planned, Shifts Production To Spain

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Back in 2012, Ford announced plans to close its manufacturing facility in Genk, Belgium. Today that time has come, as the plant has built its last car.

Ford is shifting production of the Genk facility to its plant in Valencia, Spain, with the move impacting about 4,000 employees and a total of 11,800 jobs in area in Northeast Belgium.

“It seems so unreal. I think I’ll only notice after the holidays. It’s winter time, you’re at home and have no idea what to do. That’s when it will hit,” said worker Rudi Beys, who also is lamenting that he’s too young to retire. The plant alone employs 4,000 people.

The plant staff has begun dismantling the assembly lines after the final shift, which is never a fun or cheerful time, especially for a team of colleagues that has worked closely together for years, in many cases. As for the last car to roll off the line: it was a white Ford Galaxy van that will be donated to charity.